A Review On: Chyawanprash as A Traditional Preventive Approach Against Covid-19

COVID-19 is a complex pandemic marked by high death rates, lasting health effects, the risk of vaccine escape, and the rise of new variants. It has created a significant public health crisis for people around the world. At the same time, COVID-19’s effects on biomarkers and the stress it has put on healthcare resources highlight the need for new and comprehensive methods to tackle the pandemic. Recent outbreaks of pathogens, including the Nipah virus, Zika virus, Ebola virus, and various strains of coronaviruses, have occurred in different parts of the world alongside the COVID-19 pandemic. The new pathogen from Wuhan, China was identified as a novel strain of coronavirus (2019-nCoV) because it is different than previously known coronaviruses.It was subsequently named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Its effects on human health, especially in causing severe respiratory and heart problems, highlight its threat to public health and other organ systems. Chyawanprash is a combination of two terms: "chyawan," which means degenerative, and "prash," which means representing a drug. This raises the question of whether Chyawanprash, an Ayurvedic Rasayana drug, can act as a preventive measure against symptomatic infections with SARS-CoV-2 among frontline healthcare workers, who are at a higher risk of exposure to COVID-19.

Chyawanprash is a popular and commonly used Rasayana preparation. It was part of an advisory issued in March 2020 by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, to help boost the general immunity of the population. Rastogi et al. have proposed a practical plan for Ayurvedic interventions in COVID-19 pandemic. They endorsed the recommendation of Chyawanprash in unexposed asymptomatic cases and exposed asymptomatic cases.

Chyavanprash is a common Ayurvedic health product prepared from a mix of nutrient rich herbs and minerals. It is a one stop supplement that maintains the body’s strength and stamina. Chyavanprash is made of about 50 medicinal herbs. One of them is Amla which is a rich source of Vitamin C. The important herbal ingredients of CP are Ashwagandha, Amla, Bala, Guduchi, Pippali, Shatavari, Gokshru, Brahmi etc. CP exhibits a number of pharmacological effects including antioxidant, antiaging, immuno-booster, antidiabetic, cardiotonic, rejuvenator of respiratory system, digestive, aphrodisiac, nootropic, etc.

The objective is to compare the efficacy of including chyawanprash as a conventional preventive regimen versus using only the standard preventive regimen in changing the proportion of confirmed COVID-19 infection in frontline health care workers. Chyawanprash is a traditional ayurvedic system. The polyherbal jam consists of herbs, herbal extracts, and processed minerals. Its main ingredient is amla, or Phyllanthus emblica, commonly known as Indian gooseberry. The polyherbal jam consists of herbs, herbal extracts, and processed minerals. Its main ingredient is amla, or Phyllanthus emblica, commonly known as Indian gooseberry. It forms the base and considered as a potent rasayana promoting homeostasis. This rasayana refers to rejunative therapies in Ayurveda. Chywanprash containing amla is having a wide range of tests like sweet , sour , bitter , pungent , astringent tastes .regular consumption is said to help with physiological functions and rejuvenate the whole body system.

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Objective of the study:

The present study was carried out to assess the effect of chyawanprash in reducing the risk of COVID-19 infection in healthcare workers exposed to COVID-19 patients.

Origin:

It all takes place in the forest and in the distant past, some 3,000 years ago. This story starts off with an elderly sage, Chyawan, finding the woman he loves. Chyawan wants to get married and have a family, but being an old sage, he had many physical restrictions that prevented him from doing so. Luckily, Chyawan had access to some of the best Indian Ayurvedic physicians who were able to provide him with a solution.

The physicians prescribed to him Chyawanprash, which translates to “the diet of Chyawan.” Chyawanprash is a concoction made up of about 50 components that help the body function normally, act as antioxidants, and support the workings of the immune system. It contains Amla, which is popularly known as the Indian gooseberry.

In more depth, below is what John Doulliard, an Ayurvedic healer in Boulder, Colorado, says regarding the love story of Chyawan. Using emotion as its key element, this story has great potential to be remembered throughout the ages through its use of metaphorical language about love that cannot be attained. In his discussion of the history of Chyawanprash, Doulliard also mentions the health benefits of Amla that make it possible for mentalist notions to be connected to the medicine.

Composition:

Chyawanprash is a traditional ayurvedic herbal jam made from amla as the main ingredient along with herbs spices, ghee, honey and sugar.

Table No = 1    Composition of chyawanprash

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Ayurvedic indication of chyawanprash :

Chyawanprash is a well-known traditional preparation in Ayurvedic medicine, which has been effectively used as Rasayana to increase life span and maintain health in general. Chyawanprash plays an important role in maintaining the balance of all three doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, hence aiding in the normal functioning of the body. It is effective for increasing Vyadhikshamatva and physical strength as well as resistance against infection and seasonal diseases. However, Chyawanprash is particularly helpful for treating diseases affecting the lungs like coughs, colds, asthma, bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, and recurring infections of the respiratory tract due to its bronchodilator and expectorant action. Apart from this, it enhances digestive power, or Agni, stimulates hunger and metabolism, and aids nutrient absorption in cases of debility and malnutrition. Moreover, Chyawanprash nourishes the body tissues and skin complexion, ensures reproductive health, and improves mental capacity. Because of its antioxidants and rejuvenation effects, it assists in preventing premature aging and reducing stress levels, thus reenergizing patients suffering from long-term illness. It is suggested that chyawanprash be taken by children, adults, and elders for promoting wellness and resistance to diseases.

How to Take Chyawanprash :

• Adults: One or two teaspoons per day, preferably in the morning on an empty stomach or in warm milk.
• Children above five years of age: Half a teaspoon will do just fine.
• Elders: Not more than one teaspoon should be consumed unless advised otherwise.

While using it as an immune booster or general health booster, regularity of consumption becomes more important rather than the amount used. According to Ayurvedic medicine, one must consume it every day, just like brushing their teeth every day, but this time inside of themselves.

There are people who simply consume it by the spoonfuls and some add it to warm milk or even toast!

Chyawanprash Nutrition :

This amazing combination of health is loaded with various nutritious ingredients like antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, protein, fibre, sodium, and an abundance of alkaloids and saponins, which is good for heart, blood vessels, and high cholesterol levels. Despite containing all these amazing herbs and spices, this formula is totally free from any kind of cholesterol content, trans-fats, or even very few fats calories.

Table No = 2  :   10 grams of chyawanprash contains :